Otaru, Japan’s Tourist Rules: A Filipino’s Guide to Visiting

If you’ve been dreaming of capturing that cinematic winter scene in Otaru, Japan, you’re not alone. This charming port city in Hokkaido is straight-up aesthetic goals—think vintage streets, dreamy canals, and snowy backdrops that scream “main character energy.” But thanks to social media, Otaru is now facing some major tourist chaos, and the city is finally putting its foot down.

Recently, security guards were deployed to manage crowds at certain hotspots—most notably the famous Funamizaka slope. If that name rings a bell, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in iconic films like Love Letter and Cities in Love. It’s one of those spots that looks unreal in photos, but here’s the problem—people are literally stopping mid-street for the ‘gram, blocking traffic, and even trespassing on private property just to get the perfect angle. Yeah… not a good look.

Also read: Japan Travel Mistakes to Avoid – What Not to Do

A tragic wake-up call

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The crackdown comes after a heartbreaking incident that shook the city. A 61-year-old tourist from Hong Kong was hit by a train and lost his life while trying to snap a photo on the tracks near Asari Station. It’s a chilling reminder that some risks are just not worth it for a viral shot.

And it’s not just railway tracks causing concern. Otaru locals have been struggling with tourists treating their neighbourhood like an open-air photoshoot—trespassing, blocking roads, and making daily life a nightmare. With nearly 98,000 foreign visitors in just six months, the city decided it was time to step in before things got worse.

Japan’s tourism boom = both a blessing and a headache

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Japan is having its moment in tourism, with over 36 million visitors last year. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have been dealing with overtourism issues for a while, but now even smaller, lesser-known spots like Otaru are feeling the heat. More tourists mean more money for local businesses, but it also brings overcrowding, environmental strain, and people forgetting basic manners (seriously, don’t be that tourist).

To keep things under control, Otaru has introduced new rules: security guards to manage hotspots, possible visitor limits in certain areas, and pictograms to remind tourists to chill and be mindful of their surroundings.

Enjoy Otaru, but don’t be that tourist

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Also read: Plum Blossoms in Japan: A Must-See Alternative to Cherry Blossoms

If Otaru is on your Japan bucket list, don’t let these rules scare you off. The city is still every bit as magical—just make sure you’re being a respectful traveller. Enjoy the dreamy streets, dig into fresh seafood, and take in the winter wonderland vibes without stopping traffic for a selfie.

Because let’s be real—the best travel moments aren’t just about the photos. Sometimes, the real magic happens when you put your phone down and just vibe